Friday, May 22, 2009

Columbia Alert Network

Columbia 911, our emergency dispatching and communications partner, has a system that it can use during emergency situations to alert citizens and employers in the service area. The Columbia Alert Network, also known as CAN, has been in place for a few years now and has been used during emergencies such as imminent flooding or landslides. Emergency responders and government officials use CAN to provide information regarding the emergency as well as instructions on what to do, such as evacuation procedures or detour routes.

CAN already has every listed and unlisted landline phone number in Columbia County as provided by the phone companies. However, it is up to each individual to provide Columbia 911 with cell or VoIP (internet) phone numbers as they do not have these numbers. It is important to sign these numbers up so that you can stay informed of major emergencies if you are away from your home or you do not have a landline phone.

To get registered, go to: http://www.columbia911.com .